German chancellor to visit Ukraine

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Kiev Saturday for her first visit to Ukraine since the country plunged into crisis, the German Federal Press Office announced Tuesday.

Merkel was invited by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, and their talks would focus on the current situation in Ukraine, the relationship with Russia and concrete ways to support Ukraine in the current crisis, Xinhua reported citing the office.

Merkel will also meet Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk, and an exchange of views with mayors of Ukrainian cities is also expected.

The Ukrainian foreign ministry has also announced Merkel's visit, which will take place on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations.